Flying Dance Community

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Flying Dance Community

Flying Dance Community
Flying Dance Community
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Instructors

Mikaela Lewis

Mikaela Lewis is the owner and head instructor at Remix Swing based in Waterloo, Ontario. She has been dancing partner dances since 2009 when she joined the Ballroom Dance Club at the University of Alberta on a friend's insistence.

Mikaela Lewis

Mikaela Lewis is the owner and head instructor at Remix Swing based in Waterloo, Ontario. She has been dancing partner dances since 2009 when she joined the Ballroom Dance Club at the University of Alberta on a friend's insistence. After falling in love with international-style Ballroom and Latin dancing, she quickly became a teaching assistant and started to compete in amateur competitions. A love of dance and moving across the world for her career caused an exploration of different styles of dance, and in 2015 Mikaela discovered West Coast Swing. Since then she has competed, taught, and danced West Coast Swing all over the world and is constantly looking to improve her own dancing and teaching abilities. She is proud to be the community leader of the growing West Coast Swing community in Waterloo, Ontario since 2022.


Dance styles learned: 24+ partner dances, 6+ solo dances

Dance styles taught: 14


Mikaela's teaching embodies her experience with different styles of dance and different dance communities and cultures. She believes in teaching universal dance theory as a primary focus - so that the skills learned in her classes will improve your ability in any other style you want to learn.


Mikaela is also an engineer, world-traveler, novelist, and current PhD student at the University of Waterloo.

Shannon Wilson

Shannon was born in New Zealand and began her dance journey at the age of 5, starting with ballet, jazz, and tap.  She expanded her repertoire to include hip hop, contemporary, and Latin dance.  At just 12 years old, Shannon began teaching her own jazz and tap classes to beginner students.

Shannon Wilson

Shannon was born in New Zealand and began her dance journey at the age of 5, starting with ballet, jazz, and tap. A few years later, she expanded her repertoire to include hip hop, contemporary, and Latin dance. Outside of school, Shannon was always found in classes at the studio, dedicating herself to dance, syllabus learning and examinations. She competed in numerous competitions throughout her childhood and teenage years, performing solo pieces, duets, trios, and with performance groups. She also earned scholarships for her tap dancing.

At just 12 years old, Shannon began teaching her own jazz and tap classes to beginner students. By the age of 15, she moved to Montreal, Canada, and joined the Louise LaPierre Dance School. She was accepted into Concordia University’s contemporary dance program, where she studied for a year before switching to a Bachelor’s in Education. Despite her academic shift, Shannon continued dancing and joined Tripoli Dance School, where she trained for three years in contemporary and hip hop.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted Shannon to explore new avenues in dance, leading her to
discover a passion for social dancing. She became part of Latin Groove in Montreal and quickly
advanced through the six levels of bachata and salsa dancing. Shannon’s dedication earned her a
spot on performance teams in both styles, leading to successful competitions at Madessimo and the Montreal Salsa Convention, where her teams won 2nd place in both categories.

In 2023, Shannon moved to Guelph and found her new home at the Flying Dance Community. She is eager to share her extensive knowledge and experience, and to grow together with her students. Join Shannon at Flying Dance Community, where you’ll benefit from her diverse dance background and passion for teaching. Whether you’re new to dancing or have years of experience, Shannon is excited to help you improve your skills and share the joy of dance with you on the dance floor.

Nico

Nico's vision was crystal clear: to enrich lives through the transformative power of dance, forging strong, supportive dance communities along the way. 

Nico

Nico's journey began in Canada when he embarked on his studies in marketing at the University of Guelph. Little did he know that dancing would soon weave its way into the tapestry of his life. His dance odyssey commenced with partner dancing, particularly Salsa, and it was a turning point that altered the course of everything.        

‘“Nico's vision was crystal clear: to enrich lives through the transformative power of dance, forging strong, supportive dance communities along the way.”
                

Driven by an ardent desire to share the sheer joy of dance as a celebration of life, Nico founded the Flying Dance Community (FDComm) in 2004. FDComm isn't just a dance studio; it's a haven for embracing diverse cultural dance styles with a strong sense of community. Nico's vision was crystal clear: to enrich lives through the transformative power of dance, forging strong, supportive dance communities along the way. FDComm stands dedicated to uniting the community in an environment where students revel in the myriad documented benefits of dance, fostering an active, vibrant, and healthier community that nurtures emotional well-being.            

Throughout the years, FDComm has touched the lives of individuals from all walks of life. The studio offers adult Latin dance lessons including Salsa, Bachata, Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing, and the enchanting Ballroom dances like Cha Cha & Waltz. With private and wedding dance lessons, as well as weekly socials, the dance community remains invigorated.

Please visit our studio’s website : www.fdcommunity.com     


But FDComm's impact extends beyond the studio. It hosts the exhilarating Flying Dance Festival (FDFest), a unique outdoor dance extravaganza that lights up Guelph and Wellington County throughout the summer. FDFest features captivating dance workshops, electrifying performances, and lively social dancing, bringing the entire community together. Collaborating with local instructors, dance troupes, and studios from across southern Ontario, FDFest is a resounding success.

The enchantment continues with Moonlight Dancing, a beloved event spanning 12 weeks of outdoor dancing on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Since 2008, this event has been a beacon of joy, creating unforgettable memories under the night sky.

Please visit FDFest for more details    : www.fdfest.com      

Nico's passion for dance education extends to training aspiring instructors, teaching them how to connect with students and evolve as dancers. FDComm's Online Salsa Dance Course paves the way for enthusiasts to embark on their instructing journey.

Please visit FDFest for more details : www.fdcomonline.com     

FDComm has evolved into a vibrant network, benefitting instructors seeking collaboration and new horizons, dance students expanding their dance vocabulary, and first-time dancers stepping onto the dance floor for the first time. These ripples of activity extend to smaller communities, as dance becomes an integral part of their cultural fabric.

In all its endeavors, FDComm aspires to inspire everyone it encounters, while also nurturing the health and mental well-being of the community. 

As Vicki Baum beautifully put it, "There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them."

See you on the dance floor, cheers!

Agnieszka Kowalczyk (Aga)

I am a choreographer, dancer, and instructor with over 20 years of performing experience and 7 years of teaching. I specialize in ballroom and Latin dance styles, working with all ages. Music and movement are inseparable elements of my life, and dance combines them beautifully.

Agnieszka Kowalczyk (Aga)

Agnieszka Kowalczyk

 

I am a choreographer, dancer, and instructor with over 20 years of performing experience and 7 years of teaching. I specialize in ballroom and Latin dance styles, working with all ages. Music and movement are inseparable elements of my life, and dance combines them beautifully.


Dance Experience:

  • Professional Dancer (2000-2019):

    • Choreographed numerous dance routines for events.

    • Taught beginner to advanced dance classes for different ages.

    • Collaborated with other dancers and choreographers to create new works.

    • Adapted dance teaching methods to fit individual needs.

    • Represented various dance clubs:

      • 2016 - 2019: Dancing school “AS” Gdańsk, Poland

      • 2013 - 2016: Dancing school “FALA” Sopot, Poland

      • 2009 - 2013: Dancing school “KS Rapsodia” Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland

      • 2000 - 2009: Dancing school “Project NM – Bohema” Słubice, Poland

  • Dance Instructor and Choreographer (2017 - 2024):

    • Latino Ladies solo (2018 - 2022)

    • Dancing courses for international students (2018 - 2021)

    • Wedding First dance choreography (2018 - 2013)

    • Dancing courses in couples for adults (2017 - 2019)

Achievements:

  • Completed dance certification for Sports Dance Instructor in 2017.

  • Received the best dance class "S" in Latin American dances.

  • Performed in the musical "Black, red, white," showcasing dancing, singing, and violin playing skills.

  • Organized and implemented various events and projects:

    • 2021, 2019: “Dancing on the Beach” for international students

    • 2019: “Latino dance” classes at centrosportivoseulo, Sardegna, Italy

    • June 2018: Flash-mob “Latino Warm Up” Budzimy Gdańsk & ESN

  • Participated in multiple concerts and festivals, such as the International Dance Festival - Blackpool and National Dancing Tournaments, winning high places (2005-2019).

Dance Styles:

  • Ballroom (Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep)

  • Latin American (Cha-Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive)

  • Salsa

  • Bachata

Skills:

  • Creative Expression

  • Physical Endurance

  • Flexibility

  • Musicality

  • Choreography

  • Performance Skills

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